On the first two 1/800 ss is not fast enough for a crisp image. Perhaps an iso of 1600 would have enhanced your ss. A little PP ON #3 would help. It is my experience using a 2x tc is difficult at best shooting an IF shot.

Thanks Ted. I can never get close enough to these guys so the 2x is what is at work. The image is almost 100% crop. I will try more pp on #3, it has contrast and shadows enhanced in LR4 at this pont.

Ron, given the low light, anything over 1600 under heavy cropping is having quite a bit of noise. Part of the problem is I am not in the right location to be shooting at that time of the day (Sun is either to the right or behind and to the left. Thanks for the suggestion, I will try 3200 next to see how things go.